5 healthy and refreshing smoothies for summer

Summer is a season between spring and autumn when the weather is usually warm and hot. This climate often leads to fatigue due to heatwaves and sunny days. To combat the seasonal blues and maintain your well-being, it is essential to prioritise self-care, particularly through a healthy diet. And when it comes to protecting your body from the heat, staying hydrated is crucial. However, drinking water is not the only way to do it. You may also try a few smoothies made of fruits and herbs to nourish your body and make you feel cool and calm during summer.

If you are thinking that making these smoothies may take too much time, don’t worry. All these smoothies can be easily made and enjoyed.

5 smoothies for summer season

Here are the 5 best smoothie recipes that you can enjoy this summer:

1. Ice-apple smoothie

Ice apple, also known as palm fruit or nungu, has a jelly-like texture and mild sweetness that’s wonderfully refreshing. “It has a high water content and cooling properties, making it a perfect hydrating smoothie,” says Nutritionist Dr Rohini Patil.

Ingredients

• 3-4 iced apples, seeds removed
• 1 cup coconut water
• One lime juice
• Handful of mint leaves
• 1 teaspoon of honey (optional)
• Ice cubes

Method: Blend the ice apples with coconut water, mint leaves, and lime juice until smooth. Add honey for a touch of sweetness if you want it. Add ice for that cooling effect and enjoy.

2. Orange mango smoothie

Oranges and mangoes are two of the most popular fruits in summer season. Mangoes are packed with vitamins A and C, while oranges provide vitamin C and antioxidant properties.

Ingredients

• 1 ripe mango, peeled and chopped
• 1 orange, peeled and deseeded
• ½ cup Greek yoghurt
• 1 tablespoon honey or to taste
• Ice cubes

Method: Blend all ingredients with yoghurt and a handful of ice cubes until smooth. The yoghurt adds a creamy texture, making this smoothie not only refreshing but also filling.

Also read: Smoothies Vs Juices Vs Shakes: Which one is the best breakfast drink?

3. Chocolate mint smoothie

This creamy, thick, and healthy chocolate mint smoothie recipe is rich in flavours and can be very refreshing.

Ingredients

• 1 cup fresh spinach (for an added nutrient boost)
• ¼ cup fresh mint leaves
• 1 frozen banana
• 2 tablespoons cocoa powder
• 1 cup almond milk
• A handful of dark chocolate chips or cacao nibs

Method: Blend the spinach, mint leaves, frozen banana, cocoa powder, and almond milk until smooth. Stir in the chocolate chips for texture, transfer into a glass, and enjoy.

4. Sweet potato smoothie

Sweet potatoes might seem unconventional for a smoothie but they are known for their high fibre content and sweet, creamy texture.

Ingredients

• 1 medium sweet potato, cooked and cooled
• 1 banana
• 1 cup milk (dairy or non-dairy)
• 1 teaspoon cinnamon
• 1 tablespoon maple syrup or to taste

Method: Add sweet potato, banana, milk, cinnamon, and maple syrup, and blend all the ingredients until smooth. Pour and enjoy!

Also read: Diabetes-friendly smoothies: 4 healthy recipes for your taste buds

5. Watermelon basil smoothie

This is one of the most hydrating smoothies that you may enjoy during the summer season. While watermelon is known for its high water content, basil helps to restore the natural pH levels of the body and enhance the taste of the smoothie.

Ingredients

• 2 cups chopped watermelon
• ¼ cup fresh basil leaves
• 1 lime juice
• Ice cubes

Method: Blend the watermelon, basil, and lime juice until smooth. Enjoy immediately for a super refreshing drink.

So, go and try these smoothies to stay cool and calm to beat the scorching heat!